Shown are participants waving flags at the Patriotic Pops concert. Photo by Mark Knecht.

By Mark Knecht
President Chautauqua-Wawasee

SYRACUSE — The weather was nearly perfect Sunday evening, June 30, for the annual Patriotic Pops concert by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra at Oakwood Resort. The turnout appeared to be a record with more than 1,000 people on the lawn and 20 boats offshore on Lake Wawasee.

This lady was shown with a handful of flags. Photo by Larry Baumgardt.

Chautauqua’s Phil Metcalf opened the evening and got the flag-waving started. All who attended were presented with a small American flag and glow necklace which added to the festiveness of the program. The Syracuse American Legion Post 223 Honor Guard presented colors as Conductor Caleb Young kicked off the music with the playing of our National Anthem.

Foot-tapping, flag-waving and sing-along music followed, starting with the John William’s “Olympic Fanfare” and other familiar favorites such as the “Suite from Back to the Future.” After other marches and favorites, the traditional Armed Forces Salute was performed recognizing the many Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force and Coast Guard veterans in attendance who were asked to stand.

Young encouraged the audience to sing along for the traditional “Sing Out America” melody of favorites that included “God Bless America.” The evening ended with John William’s “March from Raiders of the Lost Ark,” which Young announced would be played live to the film on Sept. 21.

Oh what a night. The Syracuse-Wawasee area community all appreciated the performance and opportunity to recognize and celebrate our July 4th Independence Day.